Central Banks May Issue Their Own Digital Currencies
See how Al Jazeera English are framing this — we run every side, so you decide. News for humans, not bots: serious, civil discussion among real people, with the context and facts you need. Don't just watch: be on the air with your own video takes, polls and predictions.
EVERY NETWORK'S FRAMING
“CENTRAL BANKS MAY ISSUE THEIR OWN DIGITAL CURRENCIES”
covered 2026-07-11 ▶ Be on the air with Al Jazeera EnglishWatch the moment
Add your voice
The Bahamas launched the world's first CBDC — the 'Sand Dollar' — in 2020!
While major economies debate digital currencies, tiny Bahamas beat them all. Its Sand Dollar, issued by the Central Bank of the Bahamas, covers 700+ islands and aims to boost financial access for unbanked residents.
Europe's first banknotes in 1661 were just as controversial as CBDCs!
When Stockholms Banco issued Europe's first banknotes in 1661, citizens distrusted paper over gold coins. The bank collapsed by 1668 from over-issuance — a cautionary tale as central banks now weigh launching digital currencies.
Topic poll · all networksHow many countries are currently exploring a central bank digital currency?
- Around 40 countries
- Around 80 countries
- Over 130 countries
- Nearly all 195
Guess, then reveal the answer
Over 130 countries
